In the run up to Republic Day, as we bring our saffron and greens out, we’d also like to recall Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja the inspiring the INA anthem (wav file attached) which is still the regimental quick march for our Parachute Regiment. And more importantly, evidence that we were daring and idealistic…once.

While the Metro construction threatens to bring traffic to a standstill, it’s good to know that at least the sign painters are having a ball. Bringing some much needed mirth to these grey, foggy winter days. Here’s the second installment of trippy directional signage. Some of these were taken on the Ring Road near Golden Dragon restaurant and some near Saket.

Last weekend, La Traviata came to town. Opera is not exactly common in Delhi, so everyone in the office wanted to go. Our resident Milanese, Annalisa went to considerable trouble to get tickets for everyone in the office. And the three who made it on Sunday were treated to a spectacle. The theater was packed, the audience enthusiastic and the romantic drama was moving. Many elegant ladies wrapped in their sarees cried at Violetta’s desperate “Amami Alfredo!”, which is something that doesn’t happen that often (the sarees at the Opera, not the tears). Momo (who, for the record, wasn’t wearing a saree) said she also was very, very touched, but some idiots sitting behind her kept giggling through the show, so she felt rage rather than anguish. Many thanks to Annalisa who arranged the tickets. Those who took tickets and didn’t turn up have to buy her lunch next week. And we’re not talking Subway sandwiches.

So a bunch of us went to the Russell Peters show…a 15 minute jaunt from the office turned into a 45 minute ordeal with most of the time spent waiting in the car right outside the venue fighting for an inch of space. Parking was a nightmare that included the usual fender-bender, a threat by an oldish lady to slash our tires if we parked in front of her building, and a 20-rupee goodwill fee to some dude who promised to protect the illegally parked car. The show was as expected – funny. With the brunt of the jokes directed at the Chinese, the Irish, a 17-year-old token Canadian white guy, and aunties that “ear-muffed” their kids every time RP cussed.